GARDENS
SHEFFIELD PARK GARDENS
Sheffield Park Gardens is 120 acres of towering trees, wide winding paths and magnificent shrubs. The original design of the gardens and estate was laid out in 1775, at which time the neo-Gothic house which stands beyond the NW boundary of the gardens began. The gardens were bought by the National Trust but the house is still private. There are special features at different times of the year with thousands of wild daffodils and bluebells, together with camellias, azaleas and rhododendrons. There are two large lakes, with many wildfowl, and several water features. One, a bridge which crosses a water cascade, is known as "Woman's Way" and the legend goes that a headless woman is liable to appear there, only to vanish into thin air when approached.
The "Bluebell Line" railway is only a short distance from the gardens and a joint entry for both venues can be purchased if so wished, making a small saving.
Details are available from the National Trust at Sheffield Park Gardens:
The National Trust
Sheffield Park Gardens
Uckfield
East Sussex TN22 3QX
Tel: 01825 790231
ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY GARDENS
There are several gardens owned by the RHS that are well worth a visit. For affiliated societies, one garden can be visited by a maximum of 55 members per year free of charge. standard, or group rates, apply to non-members for any additional visits. In particular RHS Wisley and RHS Hyde Hall are two well worth visiting.
RHS Garden Wisley
Woking
Surrey GU23 6QB
Tel: 01483 224234
RHS Garden Hyde Hall
Rettendon
Chelmsford
Essex CM3 8ET
Tel: 01245 400256 |
